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What is SPARK?
SPARK, “Supporting Partnerships
to Assure Ready Kids,” is a multi-year initiative funded
by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in partnership with the Sisters
of Charity Foundation of Canton. The SPARK program helps children
get ready for kindergarten by building reading, language,
and social skills, and seeks to create a seamless transition
into school for children ages 3-6. Ohio's SPARK program is
one of eight across the country. Other SPARK sites are
Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina,
and Washington, D.C.
The action plan for
SPARK Ohio, centered in Stark County, came out of a year-long
planning process with participation from schools, families,
teachers, child care providers, health professionals, service
agencies, state departments, and child advocacy groups. During
implementation, SPARK communities will serve and track the
progress of 1,000 or more children in both rural and urban
areas, who will be expected to meet school readiness outcomes.
Additionally, successful strategies
developed by SPARK sites for more seamless transitions into
school will be shared with other communities and states.
Program Goals
• Ensure that all of Ohio's children enter school socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically ready;
• Provide families with the help that they need to support and ensure their children's success in school;
• Help schools support the learning and development of all children and work with families to ease transitions;
and
• Involve communities, at every level, in this effort.
SPARK Guiding Principles
The SPARK leadership team developed
the following guiding principles for
the SPARK initiative:
• We are committed to
children as our primary focus.
• We are committed to providing children the opportunity
to realize their full potential.
• We are committed to quality services and equitable
treatment of all children.
• We are committed to the importance of families and
their right to self-determination.
• We are committed to the recognition and support of
the strengths and needs of families.
• We are committed to respect for and sensitivity to
diversity and cultural and racial differences.
• We are committed to collaboration with a primary focus
on the best interests of children and their families.
• We are committed to respect for and support of all
who are entrusted with the care of children.
• We are committed to self-reflection, evaluation, and
continuous growth.
• We are committed to advocating for the well-being
of children.
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